CCIS CCIS Suicide Risk Assessment & Prevention 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which mnemonic is commonly used by crisis counselors to assess suicide risk factors?
- SLAP
- IS PATH WARM (Correct answer)
- CAGE
- AUDIT
Correct answer: IS PATH WARM
IS PATH WARM stands for Ideation, Substance abuse, Purposelessness, Anxiety, Trapped, Hopelessness, Withdrawal, Anger, Recklessness, Mood changes — key warning signs for suicide risk.
Question 2: A client states they have a plan, the means available, and a set timeline. This represents which level of suicide risk?
- Low risk
- Moderate risk
- High risk (Correct answer)
- No risk
Correct answer: High risk
Having a specific plan, available means, and a timeline are three critical factors that together indicate high or imminent suicide risk.
Question 3: The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is primarily used to:
- Diagnose depression
- Measure suicide risk ideation and behavior intensity (Correct answer)
- Assess substance use history
- Evaluate trauma exposure
Correct answer: Measure suicide risk ideation and behavior intensity
The C-SSRS is a validated tool that rates the intensity and type of suicidal ideation and behavior, helping clinicians standardize risk assessment.
Question 4: Lethal means counseling in suicide prevention involves:
- Prescribing antidepressants
- Reducing access to firearms and other lethal methods (Correct answer)
- Teaching relaxation techniques
- Hospitalization of all at-risk individuals
Correct answer: Reducing access to firearms and other lethal methods
Lethal means counseling reduces suicide risk by working with clients and their families to limit access to highly lethal means such as firearms, medications, and other weapons.
Question 5: A protective factor that may reduce suicide risk in a client is:
- Social isolation
- Access to lethal means
- Strong reasons for living and social support (Correct answer)
- History of multiple attempts
Correct answer: Strong reasons for living and social support
Strong reasons for living, family connectedness, and social support are empirically recognized protective factors that buffer against suicidal behavior.
Question 6: After a client discloses suicidal ideation, the crisis specialist should FIRST:
- Immediately call 911
- Ask about the presence of a plan, means, and intent (Correct answer)
- Refer to outpatient therapy
- Advise the client to call a friend
Correct answer: Ask about the presence of a plan, means, and intent
Gathering information about plan, means, and intent allows the crisis specialist to accurately assess severity and determine the appropriate level of intervention.
CCIS CCIS Suicide Risk Assessment & Prevention 1
Which mnemonic is commonly used by crisis counselors to assess suicide risk factors?